For the military, gamification —
the application of
game design elements
and principles to help
improve engagement,
productivity, learning,
recruitment and evaluation — is becoming increasingly more
important, even necessary, in training. For
the Navy, using a gaming-type experience to help train and certify Sailors
is particularly useful on platforms
like the littoral combat ship, where
smaller crews mean each member
must be trained to skills and duties
beyond his or her rate.

The virtual experience of real-world scenarios, often using 3D
modeling and immersive applications, also is being used in areas
such as maintenance, navigation
and seamanship, and contingency
operations. And because those using
the software and controls are more
than passingly familiar with video
gaming in general, they are quick to
adapt to the new tools.

In “Virtual Reality,” Gidget Fuentes looks at how immersive courseware, other shore-based classroom
work and hands-on lab training help
train and certify those preparing to
sail aboard the littoral combat ship.
Instructors are finding that Sailors
using the courseware remember
more information about shipboard
equipment and systems than they
do through standard classroom and
on-the-job training.